Mar 7
I started some seeds today for what will hopefully become a vegetable garden come this summer. I started about a month ago with some herbs and edible flowers, which have sprouted and are still alive. Buoyed by that success, today I ventured into planting vegetable starts. I've never been successful in starting a garden from seed, so I've decided to keep track of the progress with a garden journal. I also decided to start with good seed from a place in Vermont, which promises hardy bolt resistant seeds, which should work up here, at least theoretically. I'll provide periodic updates on the blog from time to time. Now to plan and learn how to build the outdoor raised beds these starts will live in come late May.
Feb 11
I decided on a whim yesterday afternoon to take a yoga class and check out the new studio across from my office. Nevermind that I've never taken a yoga class before in my life, unless you count Wii Fit yoga.
Here's the description of the class:
Hot Flow
All levels. Our Signature Class! Hot Flow is a dynamic vinyasa style practice that combines elements of Bikram, Anusara, Kundalini and Ashtanga Yoga. This "perfect" combination of balancing, strengthening, energizing and deep stretching poses set to music and practiced in a room heated to 95°. This class is appropriate for newcomers as well as the more experienced yogi. From head to toe your body will feel invigorated and detoxified while you sharpen your mental focus and renew your spirit. Be prepared to SWEAT!
Ok, so I came to the class prepared to sweat, but man I didn't think it was possible to sweat so much. I really liked the class and will probably try it or another like it again soon.
Jan 9
Today Zach and I went skiing and snowboarding at Hilltop Ski Area. In my only previous attempt to snowboard (off the practice hill) in 2008, I made it on a chair lift once and never made it all the way down the mountain under my own volition. Today I not only made it down three times, but I also actually enjoyed the last two runs. In fact, the last run was great, except the very end where it was very steep to me. I fell back on my go-to technique, sliding down on my butt (works on cross country skis too). It was a beautiful day with the sun peeking out in the early afternoon and the mountains across the inlet in full view. I definitely won't wait another two years until I get out again.
Dec 27
Zach got me
this great book for Christmas and I decided to jump right in with making bacon. It's a 7 day process, but now all I have to do is wait and flip the bag in the fridge once a day. Once the meat has cured, I'll smoke and then slice the bacon. So far the process is really easy and makes me wonder why I didn't make my own bacon sooner. Next up, graham crackers.
Dec 17
I'm all signed up for two classes toward a Masters in Public Administration Degree at the University of Alaska Southeast. The great thing about this program is that I can do it all via the internet. This is a big step toward realizing my future plans and having more flexibility with career options in the future. Based on the burnout rate for most attorneys, I figure its a good idea to have a back up plan. Also, it won't hurt to know more about how this nonprofit world works since I'm most likely always going to be working for one.
Nov 20
In my efforts to remodel the hallway, the finishing touch was a new light fixture. Last night, I decided it was time. Zach was a great instructor and walked me through the steps on how to install a light fixture without electrocuting myself. The new fixture looks great and I've gained a new skill, but for my own safety probably one I should only use under supervision.
